VANCOUVER, B.C. — Three ports in B.C.s Lower Mainland have forwarded a report recommending integration to the federal government and are set for full disclosure on the subject.

Lawrence Cannon, federal Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, recently received the report recommending the integration of the Fraser River Port Authority, North Fraser Port Authority and the Vancouver Port Authority, to form a single Canada Port Authority. The full report, Global Competitor, Community Partner: An Integrated Port Entity for the Lower Mainland, will be made available on the respective port websites.

“The formation of the new authority, to be called the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, will ensure that Lower Mainland ports are more globally competitive and better positioned to capture a larger share of growing Asia-Pacific trade,” said Doug Butterworth, chair of the North Fraser Port Authority.

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority will operate under a newly appointed board and CEO, with operating divisions established to ensure a high level of service is maintained for all areas of port operations.

“This decision is a major step forward in positioning the ports of the Lower Mainland as a key component of the Pacific Gateway Strategy,” said Vancouver Port Authority chair, George Adams. “An integrated port authority will strengthen our offering through improved planning and land use, coordinated marketing and branding, and a streamlined user interface for all of our stakeholders, be they domestic or international.”

Under the guidance of a Transition Committee, the work towards amalgamation of the three port authorities has already commenced, with completion expected before the end of 2007.

“Minister Cannon and Transport Canada have been enormously supportive throughout the process to date,” said Peter Podovinikoff, chair of the Fraser River Port Authority. “This is a new initiative for all of us and requires measured and thoughtful effort to ensure the transition is a smooth one that ultimately makes this Gateway stronger for Canada.”